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Mbox User Guide
Version 9.0
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(hereafter “Avid”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright
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without the written consent of Avid.
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contents
Chapter 1. Welcome to Mbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Mbox Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Requirements and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About www.avid.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2. Mbox Hardware Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mbox Front Panel Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mbox Back Panel Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 3. Installing and Connecting Mbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 4. Making Studio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Audio Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connecting a Microphone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting Instruments to the Mbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MIDI Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 5. Using the Driver Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Additional Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Stereo Mixes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the Stereo Mix Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Contents
iii
Chapter 6. Using the Multi Button (Pro Tools Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using the Multi Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Press and Release Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Press and Hold Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Hold Duration Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Appendix A. Using Third-Party Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Configuring Mbox for Third-Party Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Configuring the Apple Sound Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix B. Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Environmental Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
EMC (Electromagnetic Compliance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
iv
Mbox User Guide
chapter 1
Welcome to Mbox
Welcome to the Mbox® USB audio and MIDI
interface from Avid®.
Mbox provides your USB 2.0-equipped computer with two channels of analog audio input
and output, two channels of digital audio input
and output, MIDI In and Out ports, one headphone output with front panel level control.
Mbox includes two professional-quality mic preamps and 24-bit/96 kHz analog-to-digital and
digital-to-analog converters.
Mbox integrates with Pro Tools® software, and
is compatible with third-party audio and MIDI
applications that support the CoreAudio (Mac)
or ASIO (Windows) standard.
• S/PDIF inputs are available independently,
in addition to analog inputs 1–2
• S/PDIF outputs are available independently, in addition to analog outputs 1–2
• Up to a total of four channels of input, using
analog and digital inputs simultaneously
• One MIDI In and one MIDI Out port, providing 16 channels of MIDI input and output
• Two 1/4-inch TRS analog monitor outputs
• 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, supporting
sample rates up to 96 kHz
• Low Latency Monitoring (LLM) with adjustable balance between input and playback
• Dim and Mono buttons
Mbox Features
Mbox provides the following:
• Two channels of analog audio input with
high-quality microphone preamps and switchable 48V phantom power
• Analog input jacks include two XLR/TRS
combo-jacks and two 1/4 TS jacks, with
switchable Mic, Line, and DI levels
• Soft-limit feature on each input
• 1/4-inch (TRS) stereo headphone output with
adjustable level control
• On-board reverb and delay effects (useful for
monitoring while tracking vocals)
• On-board Tuner
• Multi-function, assignable Soft button
• USB 2.0 High-speed operation
Mbox may not function properly if connected
to a USB hub. Connect Mbox Mini to a separate, dedicated USB port.
• –20 dB pad available separately on each analog input channel
• Two channels of S/PDIF digital input and two
channels of S/PDIF digital output
Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox
1
System Requirements and
Compatibility
Conventions Used in This
Guide
Mbox can be used with a qualified Windows or
Mac computer running Pro Tools software 8.0.4
or higher.
All of our guides use the following conventions
to indicate menu choices and key commands:
For Pro Tools installation instructions, see
the Pro Tools Installation Guide.
Mbox can be also be used with a qualified Mac
or Windows computer running other Core Audio- or ASIO-compliant applications.
Mbox hardware drivers must be installed before
you can connect and use your Mbox.
For Mbox hardware drivers installation instructions, see Chapter 3, “Installing and
Connecting Mbox.”
A DVD drive is required to use the Drivers Installer disc (included with your Pro Tools software package).
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide
support for hardware and software it has tested
and approved.
For complete system requirements and a list of
qualified computers, operating systems, hard
drives, and third-party devices, visit:
www.avid.com/compatibility
:
Convention
Action
File > Save
Choose Save from the
File menu
Control+N
Hold down the Control key
and press the N key
Control-click
Hold down the Control key
and click the mouse button
Right-click
Click with the right
mouse button
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings
that appear on-screen are in a different font.
The following symbols are used to highlight
important information:
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most from your system.
Important Notices include information that
could affect your data or the performance of
your system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or
mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in
this guide and other Pro Tools guides.
2
Mbox User Guide
About www.avid.com
The Avid website (www.avid.com) is your best
online source for information to help you get
the most out of your Pro Tools system. The following are just a few of the services and features
available.
Product Registration Register your purchase
online.
Support and Downloads Contact Avid Customer
Success (technical support); download software
updates and the latest online manuals; browse
the Compatibility documents for system requirements; search the online Knowledge Base
or join the worldwide Pro Tools community on
the User Conference.
Training and Education Study on your own using
courses available online or find out how you can
learn in a classroom setting at a certified
Pro Tools training center.
Products and Developers Learn about Avid
products; download demo software or learn
about our Development Partners and their
plug-ins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events Get the latest news from Avid
or sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
Chapter 1: Welcome to Mbox
3
4
Mbox User Guide
chapter 2
Mbox Hardware Overview
Mbox Front Panel Features
Figure 1 identifies controls, indicators, and input and output ports on the front panel on the Mbox.
Input 1
Input 2
Sig/Clip
Sig/Clip
Headphone
LED
LED
Volume
Soft
Limit
Soft
Limit
Gain/
Gain/
USB
Multi
-20dB
-20dB
LED
Instrument Source
selector
Instrument Source
selector
48V
Headphone
Output
Dim
Monitor
Level
Mono
Figure 1. Mbox front panel
Instrument Inputs
Front/Rear Source Selectors
Use these 1/4-inch TS inputs are for connecting
an electric guitar, bass, or other instrument-level
device. The level for these inputs is controlled
by the Gain Controls.
These buttons select either the front panel Instrument Inputs (TS) or rear panel Mic/Line Inputs (XLR/TRS combo) for each channel. When
the button is set to the Out position, the front
panel Instrument Inputs are active. When the
button is set to the In position, the rear panel
Mic/Line Inputs are active.
Chapter 2: Mbox Hardware Overview
5
Gain Controls/–20dB Pad
About Phantom Power
These knobs adjust the input gain levels of the
Mic/Line inputs. Turn the knob clockwise to increase gain, and counter-clockwise to decrease
gain.
Dynamic microphones (such as Shure SM57s or
M-Audio Aries) do not require phantom power
to operate, but are not harmed by it. Most condenser microphones (like an M-Audio Solaris) do
require phantom power to operate.
If your input signal is too hot even with the
Gain knob at a low setting, pull the Gain knob
out to engage a “pad” that attenuates the signal
by 20 dB.
Signal/Clip LEDs
These LEDs illuminate green in the presence of
audio signal, and illuminate red if the input signal has “clipped” (overloaded) the input of the
Mbox. Clipping the input can result in audible
distortion.
Soft-Limit Buttons
These buttons activate the Soft-Limit function,
applying a smooth, overdriven tape-type limiting to strong input signals on the Instrument,
Mic, or Line inputs.
+48V Switch and LED (Phantom
Power)
The +48V switch toggles phantom power on/off
for all mic input channels. The LED, when lit,
indicates that 48V phantom power is active on
the XLR Mic inputs.
Although phantom power can be used
safely with most microphones, it is possible
to damage some ribbon microphones with
it. Always turn off phantom power and wait
at least ten seconds before connecting or disconnecting a ribbon microphone.
When using phantom power, the Mbox
maximum current per microphone is 4 mA.
If you are not sure about the phantom power requirements for your microphone, consult your
microphone’s documentation or contact the
manufacturer.
Monitor Level
The Monitor Level knob adjusts the output level
of the Monitor Output ports.
Dim Button and LED
The Dim Button reduces by 30 dB the output
volume from both the Monitor Outputs and the
Headphone Output. When engaged, the Dim
LED lights.
Mono Button
The Mono Button sums the control room outputs to a mono signal (delivering that identical
signal to both speakers) via the Driver Control
Panel or the Mbox. When engaged, the Mono
LED lights.
6
Mbox User Guide
Checking Phase Relationships
Multi Button
The Mono switch can also be used for a quick
check of the phase relationship between
Source 1 and Source 2 inputs.
(Pro Tools Only)
Guitar Tuner Function
When the Dim Button and the Mono Button are
pushed at the same time, the Guitar Tuner function is activated. The Dim and Mono LEDs flash
between off and on to indicate tuner mode is active. When a string is played on a guitar plugged
into an Instrument Input, the Input 1 Signal/Clip LED is illuminated red if tuning is too
low, off when tuning is too high, and green
when tuning is correct. The Input 2 Signal/Clip
LED is illuminated red if tuning is too high, off
when tuning is too low, and green when tuning
is correct. The Tuner interface is displayed in the
Software Control panel if the Software Control
Panel is open.
The Multi Button can be assigned to execute several functions in Pro Tools, including Add Track,
Start/Stop Record, Tap Tempo, Toggle Marker
Locations, and Save Session. See Chapter 5, “Using the Multi Button (Pro Tools Only).”
USB LED
The USB LED indicates that the Mbox is receiving power from its USB connection. Once the
USB light is on, audio can pass in or out of the
system.
The USB LED is a power LED, which is also indicates when the unit is powered in stand-alone
mode. In this mode you can connect a USB cable
but that cable is connected to a wall outlet instead of a computer (similar to an iPod or
iPhone).
Front Panel Headphone Output
Use the Headphone Output to connect stereo
headphones with a 1/4-inch stereo connector.
The headphone outputs mirror the signal sent
to the Monitor Outputs.
Headphone Volume
The Headphone Volume knob adjusts the output level of the Headphone port. This output is
independent of the Monitor Level knob.
Chapter 2: Mbox Hardware Overview
7
Mbox Back Panel Features
Figure 2 identifies each port on the back panel of the Mbox.
MIDI I/O
S/PDIF
digital I/O
Monitor
outputs
Mic/Line
inputs
USB port
Figure 2. Mbox back panel
USB Port
This standard USB connector is used to connect
a USB 2.0 port on your computer to the Mbox.
One standard USB cable is included with your
system. (It is also used to power the unit in
stand-alone mode.)
In use, the S/PDIF input and output channels are
available in addition to the four channels of analog audio I/O.
Mic/Line Inputs
Each analog source input channel provides
combination XLR/TRS on the rear panel. These
balanced/unbalanced analog audio inputs support the following input levels:
• Mic (microphone) for XLR inputs
• Line (TRS) for line level signals on TRS or TS
inputs
On the front panel, the input signal is adjusted
by the Gain control for each channel and the
source (rear panel Mic/Line, or front panel Instrument) is chosen using the Source selectors.
8
Mbox User Guide
Mic/Line Input 2 is at the far left (when looking
at the back panel), and Mic/Line Input 1 is to its
right. The back panel inputs for Mic/Line Input
1 and Mic/Line Input 2 are located such that
they are directly in line with their associated input controls on the front panel. This lets you locate input jacks more easily when viewing from
the front of the unit.
Monitor Outputs
These outputs support balanced TRS, or unbalanced TS, 1/4-inch connections. To monitor
your mix, connect these outputs to a mixing
board, directly to a monitoring system such as a
stereo power amp, or another stereo destination.
S/PDIF Digital I/O
The S/PDIF in and out ports are unbalanced twoconductor phono (RCA) connectors that utilize
a full 24-bit, two-channel digital data stream.
The Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format
(S/PDIF) is used in many professional and consumer CD recorders and DAT recorders. To
avoid RF interference, use 75-ohm coaxial cable
for S/PDIF transfers and keep the cable length to
a maximum of 10 meters.
MIDI I/O
The MIDI In and MIDI Out ports are standard
5-pin MIDI ports, each providing 16 channels of
MIDI input and output.
Chapter 2: Mbox Hardware Overview
9
10
Mbox User Guide
chapter 3
Installing and Connecting Mbox
To use Mbox with Pro Tools or any other CoreAudio- or ASIO-compatible applications, you
must install the Mbox hardware drivers on your
computer.
This chapter provides instructions on installing
the drivers on Mac and Windows, and connecting the Mbox to your computer.
Do not start this procedure with your Mbox
connected to your computer.
Before installing the hardware drivers, refer
to the Read Me information included with
the drivers installer for your device.
To install the drivers and connect the Mbox:
1 Make sure you are logged in as an Administra-
tor for the account where you want to install the
drivers.
For details on Administrator privileges, see
the documentation for your computer.
2 Do one of the following:
• Insert the Drivers Installer disc that came
with your Pro Tools software package into
your computer.
– or –
• Download the Mbox drivers installer for
your computer platform from
www.avid.com. After downloading, make
sure the installer is uncompressed (.dmg on
Mac or .ZIP on Windows).
3 Do one of the following:
• On Mac, locate and double-click
Avid Mbox.mpkg.
– or –
• On Windows, locate and double-click
Install Avid Mbox.exe.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed
with installation.
5 When installation is complete, click Restart.
Chapter 3: Installing and Connecting Mbox
11
6 After the computer has restarted, connect the
small end of the included USB cable to the USB
port on Mbox and connect the other end to any
available USB port on your computer.
If the USB LED on the front panel of the
Mbox does not illuminate, try unplugging
the USB cable from the Mbox USB port, and
plugging it back in. If the USB LED still does
not illuminate, shut down the computer,
disconnect Mbox and start the computer.
Once the computer has fully restarted,
reconnect Mbox.
wth
Mbox may not function properly if connected to a USB hub. If you need to use a
hub for other USB peripherals, connect the
hub to a separate USB port; Mbox must be
connected to a dedicated port on the computer in order to function properly.
You can now use your Mbox with Pro Tools, or
with any other CoreAudio- or ASIO-compatible
application.
For Pro Tools installation instructions, see
the Pro Tools Installation Guide.
12
Mbox User Guide
chapter 4
Making Studio Connections
This chapter provides step-by-step instructions
for connecting mics, instruments, mixers,
headphones, speakers, and other devices to
Mbox .
Connecting Headphones
You can use headphones equipped with a 1/4inch stereo jack to monitor your audio.
The Headphone Output mirrors Monitor Output channels 1–2.
Connecting Outputs
To connect headphones:
To hear audio from Mbox, you need to connect
headphones or an external sound system (such
as powered monitors or a home stereo) to Mbox.
1 Connect headphones with a 1/4-inch stereo
connector (or adapter) to the Headphone jack.
2 Adjust the volume using the Headphone Vol-
Headphone level
ume knob on the front panel.
The headphone outputs mirror the signal sent
to the Monitor Outputs.
1/4-inch
Headphone jack
Headphone jack on front of Mbox
Chapter 4: Making Studio Connections
13
Connecting a Sound System
The Monitor Outputs on the back of the Mbox
support 1/4-inch plugs. These connections can
be balanced TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) connectors,
or unbalanced TS (Tip-Sleeve) connectors such
as those on instrument cables.
To listen to your to audio, connect these outputs
to any amplification system: powered speakers,
a home stereo system, or an audio mixer.
Line Out Left
Audio Inputs
Mbox provides two channels of analog inputs,
and supports microphones, guitars, keyboards,
and other types of instruments and devices.
Mbox has two audio input sections, labeled Input 1 and Input 2. For stereo inputs, use Input 1
for the left input, and Input 2 for the right input.
The two input sections are located so that the
hardware input jacks line up directly behind
their corresponding input controls on the front
panel. This makes it easier to locate channel input connections from the front.
Input 1
Input 2
Line Out Right
Stereo output from the Mbox (back panel)
To connect a sound system:
 For stereo monitoring, connect Monitor Outputs 1 and 2 to the inputs of your main left and
right speakers.
Inputs on front panel of Mbox
Input 2 and Input 1
To connect to a stereo system:
 When connecting to a stereo system, connect
the left channel of the stereo (often the white
plug) to Monitor Output 1, and the right channel of the stereo (often the red plug) to
Monitor Output 2.
Home stereo systems often use RCA connectors. You can use an adaptor or a special cable to convert from the 1/4-inch TRS (TipRing-Sleeve) connectors used by Mbox to the
RCA connectors on your home stereo.
14
Mbox User Guide
Inputs on rear panel of Mbox
For information about connecting specific audio sources, see “Connecting a Microphone” on
page 15, and “Connecting Instruments to the
Mbox” on page 16.
Each Input section has three analog input jacks
(the Mic and Line are on a single, combo jack):
Connecting a Microphone
Mic For XLR microphone cables.
Mic Cables and Connectors
Line (TRS or TS) For 1/4-inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve or
Tip-Sleeve cables from keyboards, mixers, and
other line-level sources.
Use a microphone with an XLR connector to
connect the microphone to the Mbox.
DI For 1/4-inch Tip-Sleeve cables from guitar,
bass, or similar sources.
DI (instrument)
DI (instrument)
Front panel analog input connectors
Mic/Line
The Mbox can only supply power through a microphone cable with an XLR connector. If you
are not sure about the phantom power requirements for your microphone, refer to your microphone’s documentation or contact the manufacturer.
Mic/Line
XLR connector
Phantom Power
Some microphones require power to operate.
This power, called phantom power, is supplied either by a battery in the microphone, or by a mic
preamp in a mixer or audio interface (such as
Mbox) that can supply power through the microphone cable.
Rear panel analog input connectors
Most condenser microphones (such as an
M-Audio Solaris) require phantom power to operate. Dynamic microphones (such as a Shure
SM57 or an M-Audio Aries) do not require phantom power to operate, but are not harmed by it.
Although phantom power can be used
safely with most microphones, it is possible
to damage some ribbon microphones with
it. Always turn off phantom power and wait
at least ten seconds before connecting a ribbon microphone.
Chapter 4: Making Studio Connections
15
Using a Mic with an XLR Connector
4 On the front of the Mbox, carefully turn the
To use a microphone that has an XLR connector:
Gain control to the right to increase the input
level of your microphone signal.
1 Plug your microphone cable into one of the
Mic/Line inputs on the back of Mbox.
Input 2
Mic input
Gain
Input 1
Mic input
Gain knob for Input 1
5 If the incoming signal is too loud, pull the
XLR connector plugged into Input 1
Gain knob out to engage the –20 dB pad.
2 Set the Source to Rear (“in” position) by press-
ing the Source selector on the front of Mbox.
Connecting Instruments to
the Mbox
Mbox provides two input types (DI and Line) for
instruments.
DI Input Use the DI (“Direct Inject”) input for
electric guitars or electric basses.
Source selector
Input 1 Source selector
3 If your microphone requires phantom power,
make sure the microphone is connected, then
press the Phantom Power switch (labeled 48V)
on the front of the Mbox. This switch sends 48V
to both mic inputs. The 48V LED on the front of
the Mbox lights when phantom power is being
supplied.
Phantom Power switch
Phantom Power switch
16
Mbox User Guide
Line Input Use the Line input for line-level devices, including electronic audio sources such as
mixers, samplers, keyboards, and synthesizers.
Connecting Electric Guitar or Bass
Connecting Keyboards and Mixers
To use a guitar with Mbox:
To use a keyboard or mixer with Mbox:
1 On the front of the Mbox, plug your guitar ca-
1 Plug your keyboard, mixer, or other audio
ble into one of the Instrument inputs.
source into either the Input 1 or Input 2 Line
(TRS) inputs on your Mbox. If your source is stereo (such as a stereo keyboard or the stereo output from a mixer), connect the left channel
(often the white plug) to Input 1, and right
channel (often the red plug) to Input 2.
Input 2
Input 1
(right channel) left channel)
Input 1 instrument input
Connecting a guitar to the 1/4-inch connector
2 On the front of the Mbox, set the source to
Front by setting the input channel Source selector to the Out position (orange band is visible).
Input 1 Gain
(level) control
Mbox connections for line-level stereo input source
2 Set the Source to Rear (“in” position) by press-
ing the Source selector on the front of Mbox.
Input 1 Gain
(level) control
Input 2 Gain
(level) control
Source selector
Source selector and Gain control for Input 1
3 On the front of the Mbox, carefully turn the
Gain control to the right to increase the input
level of your guitar.
Source selector
Source selector
Source selector and Gain control for Inputs 1 and 2
3 Set your instrument’s volume to its optimal
level. For example, the optimal level for most
keyboards is between 80% and 100% of maximum volume.
4 On the front of the Mbox, carefully turn the
Gain control to the right to increase the input
level of your keyboard.
Chapter 4: Making Studio Connections
17
Digital Input and Output
Mbox provides digital inputs and outputs for
S/PDIF-format digital audio. The two channels
of S/PDIF digital input can be used in combination with the two analog inputs (for a total of
four simultaneous input channels). The two
channels of S/PDIF digital output can be used in
combination with the two analog outputs (for a
total of four simultaneous output channels).
To configure Mbox for a S/PDIF connection:
1 Do one of the following:
• On Mac, launch System Preferences
(Apple menu > System Preferences), then
double-click Avid Mbox. (You can also
open the Driver Control Panel from the Applications menu.)
– or –
• On Windows, choose Start > Control Panel >
Mbox.
Connecting Digital Devices
2 In the Control Panel, choose Setup.
To connect a S/PDIF device to Mbox:
3 Select S/PDIF from the Clock Source pop-up
1 Use two 75-ohm coaxial cables with male RCA
menu.
connectors on both ends (purchased separately).
2 Connect the device’s S/PDIF output to Mbox’s
S/PDIF input port, and the device’s S/PDIF input
to Mbox’s S/PDIF output port.
Using S/PDIF Input
If you are using the S/PDIF input on Mbox with
a third-party CoreAudio-or ASIO-compliant application, use the Mbox Control Panel to configure the input. If you are using Pro Tools, use the
Hardware Setup dialog in Pro Tools.
To configure Pro Tools for a S/PDIF connection:
1 Choose Setup > Hardware Setup.
2 Select S/PDIF from the Clock Source pop-up
menu.
3 Click OK.
4 On the recording track, select the appropriate
stereo or mono S/PDIF source from the track Input selector.
Once enabled in the Hardware Setup dialog, the
S/PDIF inputs become active and passes audio to
Mbox.
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Mbox User Guide
MIDI Connections
Monitoring MIDI Instruments with
Mbox
The two MIDI ports on Mbox are available to
any MIDI application on your computer, as long
as the Mbox hardware drivers are installed.
If you have a MIDI instrument that has analog
outputs, you can connect it to Mbox to monitor
its output.
If you need additional MIDI ports you can add a
compatible MIDI interface. USB MIDI interfaces
work effectively with Windows or Mac. Serial
MIDI interfaces are supported on Windows systems only.
Only USB MIDI interfaces are compatible
with Pro Tools systems for Mac OS X. Modem-to-serial port adapters and serial MIDI
devices are not supported.
To connect your MIDI instrument for monitoring:
 Connect the MIDI instrument’s audio outputs
to the Line (TRS) inputs on your Mbox.
Input 2
Input 1
To connect your MIDI device to Mbox:
1 Connect a standard 5-pin MIDI cable from the
MIDI Out port of your device to the MIDI In
port on the back of Mbox.
Mbox connections for line-level stereo input source
2 Connect another MIDI cable from the
MIDI In port of your device to the MIDI Out
port on the back of Mbox.
MIDI In
MIDI Out
MIDI connections to Mbox
On Mac OS X, use the Audio Midi Setup
(AMS) utility to customize the names of your
MIDI devices.
Chapter 4: Making Studio Connections
19
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Mbox User Guide
chapter 4
Using the Driver Control Panel
The Mbox Driver Control Panel lets you configure settings for your audio interface for use with
Pro Tools or other audio applications that support the CoreAudio (Mac) or ASIO (Windows)
standard.
For information on configuring applications
other than for use with your interface, see
“Using Third-Party Applications” on
page 37.
Several features of Mbox can be accessed directly
from the Mbox front panel, such as input gain,
phantom power, and output levels. But there are
many additional parameters that cannot be accessed from the front panel. These additional
features are available to you using the included
Driver Control Panel application.
To open the Driver Control Panel:
 On Mac, launch System Preferences (Apple
menu > System Preferences), then double-click
Avid Mbox. (You can also open the Driver Control Panel from the Applications menu.)
– or –
On Windows, choose Start > Control Panel >
Mbox.

Presets menu Layout menu
Additional
Functions
Mbox Driver Control Panel (Horizontal view shown)
Chapter 4: Using the Driver Control Panel
21
To open the Driver Control Panel from Pro Tools:
1 Choose Setup > Hardware.
2 Click Launch Setup App.
Layouts
The Layout drop-down menu lets you choose
what information you would like the Driver
Control Panel to show, and how you would like
that information to be displayed. There are four
layouts to select from:
Horizontal
The Horizontal layout is the default layout. It
shows all knobs, faders, meters and buttons in a
layout similar to that of a mixing console. The
Horizontal layout is used for all the screen captures in this chapter.
Horizontal (Meters Only)
Mbox Driver Control Panel launched in a Pro Tools
session
The Meters Only layout emphasizes pre-fader
hardware input and software return metering,
but does not provide access to the stereo mixers.
Presets
The Preset view lets you load and save Mbox Settings files, which contain all settings of the
Mbox Driver Control Panel. This is useful if
you'd like to save various configurations so that
you do not have to manually reconfigure your
system each time you work on a different type of
project.
Load Button
The Load Button opens a file browser that lets
you load a previously saved Settings file.
Save as...
The Save as button opens a file browser that lets
you save the current settings of the Driver Control Panel to a Settings file.
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Mbox User Guide
Mbox Driver Control Panel
(Horizontal (Meters only) shown)
Vertical
Vertical (Meters Only)
Mbox Driver Control Panel
(Vertical shown)
Mbox Driver Control Panel
(Vertical (Meters only) shown)
The Vertical layout provides access to all controls and meters in a vertical window. The Vertical layout was designed for compact operation,
which is convenient if you want to run it along
with Pro Tools or your other audio application
(uses far less screen real estate, but provides full
functionality).
The Meters Only layout emphasizes pre-fader
hardware input and software return metering,
but does not provide access to the stereo mixers
Chapter 4: Using the Driver Control Panel
23
Additional Functions
Mbox also features a variety of functions accessible through pop-up menus located at the upper-right area of the Control Panel:
• Tuner
Setup
Setup is where you define the hardware settings
of the Mbox. For example, you can set buffer
size, sample rate, and clock source. Think of
Setup as a quick way to customize Mbox behavior.
• Setup
• Flow
• About
Tuner
The Tuner activates the tuner function of Mbox.
You can also access the tuner by pressing the
front panel Mono and Dim buttons simultaneously. A tuner display appears in the center of
the Driver Control Panel, and the front panel input meters function as tuning indicators as well.
When tuning from the front panel, use the input meters (LED ladders). They are red when
out of tune and green when in tune.
Setup pop-up menu
In the Setup window, the options are grouped in
the following categories:
Hardware Settings
The parameters in this section of the Control
Panel govern the operation of the interface
when it is connected to a computer using a USB
cable (Hosted Mode).
This section of the Control Panel provides parameters you can set on your interface when it is
connected to a computer using a UBS cable.
24
Mbox User Guide
Disable Host Control
When you launch Pro Tools, it takes control of
the Driver Control Panel's first stereo mixer. If
you want to obtain full manual control of the
Driver Control Panel, choose this option.
If you want to use the Low Latency Monitoring option of Pro Tools, this option must not
be checked.
Clock Source
This setting determines the clock source to
which Mbox is synchronized.
Internal If you are using Mbox by itself (i.e., without other digital devices or an external clock),
select the Internal option for the interface to
work properly.
S/PDIF If you have connected a S/PDIF device to
your Mbox, select the S/PDIF option. This makes
Mbox clock to the external device’s clock.
Sample Rate
This drop-down menu sets the sample rate of
Mbox. Note that when using the interface with
an ASIO or CoreAudio application, the sample
rate can also be determined by your audio application. This parameter may not be editable from
within the Mbox Control Panel if your audio application is running. In this case, any changes to
the sample rate must be made through the audio
application itself. If the application does not
provide a way to set the sample rate, quit the application, then change the sample rate through
the Mbox Control Panel.
When the sample rate is locked to an external
digital clock source, the Mbox’s LED is solid
blue. When the sample rate is set and there is no
digital clock source detected (or cannot lock to it
for some reason), the LED blinks. (A message appears at the bottom of the Hardware Settings
section stating that: “External clock not detected, Audio Streaming is Disabled.”).
Buffer Size (Windows only)
This menu sets the size of the input and output
buffers on Mbox.
Buffers are used to help keep audio hardware
and software running smoothly by processing
audio in groups of samples rather than one sample at a time. Due to variations between computer hardware and software, it is impossible to
recommend a single optimum setting for all systems. It may be necessary to experiment with
various settings until you find the best buffer
size for your system.
The goal of setting a buffer size is to reduce it as
much as possible without hearing any clicks,
pops, or other glitches. If the buffer size is too
small, the computer may not be able to make all
the required audio calculations on time and you
may hear pops, clicks, and stuttering in your audio streams. On the other hand, if the buffer size
is set too high, your computer processes audio
without incident, but your software may feel
sluggish and unresponsive.
To find your system’s optimum buffer size setting, begin with a high setting and gradually reduce the size until you begin to hear clicks,
pops, or other audible glitches in your audio.
Then, raise the buffer size setting until these
glitches disappear. You may need to stop playing audio any time you change this setting and
certain applications require you to re-launch the
program before the new buffer size settings become active.
Chapter 4: Using the Driver Control Panel
25
Post-Fader Meters
This menu only appears on Windows systems. Most Mac OS X applications allow to
change the buffer size from within the audio application itself. Please see your audio
application’s user guide to learn how to
change this setting.
Soft Button Settings
The Mbox has four “Soft” buttons: Multi, +48v,
Mono, and Dim.
Hold Duration
This pop-up menu gives you four choices of
Press and Hold duration for all soft buttons on
the front of the Mbox. Choose between
250 msec, 500 msec, 750 msec, and 1 sec.
Use Dim LEDs for Button off State
Checking this option gives you a dim LED for all
the soft buttons that are off (so you can still discern the LED in the dark).
Driver Control Panel Options
Hold Clipping Indicators until Clicked
The top section of the meters (or right section
for horizontal meters) of the Driver Control
Panel feature a red clipping indicator. When this
option is selected, the clipping indicators remain lit until they are clicked.
Load Latency and Clock Settings from Settings
Files
When this option is selected, the clock source
and buffer settings are recalled when loading a
setting file
26
Mbox User Guide
When this option is selected, fader positions affect the meters. Post-Fader Meters mean the meter indicate post-fader levels.
Pre-Fader Meters
When this option is selected, the meters display
the level of a signal before it passes the fader.
This allows signal levels to be displayed regardless of the fader positions within the stereo mix
(in other words, a fader can be all the way down
and no sound is heard from the mixer’s output,
but you can still see if there is any activity on
that input).
FX Sends Mode
About
Pre-Fader FX Sends
The About pop-up menu allows you to view the
firmware version of the Mbox hardware, and the
package version of the Mbox driver installer.
When Pre-Fader FX Sends is selected, the full audio signal is be sent to the FX Sends, regardless
of the position of the Channel Faders of stereo
mix 1–2.
Post-Fader (Mix 1/2) FX Sends
When Post-Fader (Mix 1/2) is selected, the audio
signal level being sent to the FX Sends is affected
by the position of the Channel Faders of Stereo
Mix 1.
Flow
Clicking the Flow pop-up menu opens a display
showing the signal flow from the inputs to the
outputs of Mbox. This is a useful reference for
understanding the path of an audio signal flowing through Mbox.
Firmware and driver information
Web links
Viewing Firmware and Installer
Information
Directly above the status indicators, you can
view the firmware version of the Mbox hardware, and the package version of the Mbox
driver installer.
Accessing the Web Links
Along the bottom-right of the Driver Control
Panel you can easily access helpful online resources on our Avid website (www.avid.com) by
clicking on the following pop-up menus:
• Manual
• Updates
• Support
• FAQs
• Register
Clicking on any of the “Web links” opens
your web browser. Your computer must have
Internet access for these pages to load.
Chapter 4: Using the Driver Control Panel
27
Stereo Mixes
This 8-input, 4-output mixer allows you to create two different stereo mixes from 8 input
sources consisting of any of the hardware inputs
(i.e., analog and digital inputs) and software returns (software outputs). This allows you to set
up near-zero latency cue mixes in which the performers hear a “customized” mix while recording.
It is important to note that any changes made to
the stereo mix only affects what is audible from
the mixer’s outputs—the stereo mix does not affect the signals that are sent to your DAW for recording. For example, if you are recording a vocalist and he/she tells you to turn up the vocal
track so they can hear themselves better, you
can increase the vocalist’s microphone channel
in the stereo mix. This makes the vocal part
louder in the vocalist’s headphones, but it is still
recorded into your DAW at the volume determined by the front panel Gain Adjustment
Knob.
The stereo is set up like a standard mixing console: There are 8 input channels, each with its
own volume fader, pan and aux send knobs,
solo, and mute buttons, as well as a master output section with its own faders and mute button.
A pair of channels can be linked together by
clicking the link icon between the two channels.
Linking channels allows you to adjust mute,
solo, and fader settings simultaneously by modifying parameters on either one of the linked
channels. However, linking two channels does
not have any effect on their Pan controls, which
are always made on a per-channel basis.
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Mbox User Guide
The stereo mix features multi-segment meters to
show input channel levels (directly above each
channel) and main mixer output levels (at the
top right of the mixer). The peak hold indication time as well as pre/post fader metering operation can be set from the Settings Tab of the
Control Panel. The clip indicators can be reset
by clicking on the meter itself.
Keep in mind that setting or adjusting the stereo
mix does not affect the signal that is recorded
into your DAW. For example, you’ll still be able
to record a channel while its corresponding stereo mix channel is muted. You won’t hear the
part through the stereo mix as it is being recorded, but it still records into Pro Tools and
play back properly.
Using the Stereo Mix Section
The stereo mix section is located in the main view of the Driver Control Panel and is divided into
four main sections:
• Hardware Inputs
• Software Returns
• Effects
• Master
Hardware Inputs
Software Returns
Signal Meter
Pan
Solo
Master
Mute
Channel Fader
Channel Label
Link
Effects
Hardware Inputs
Software Returns
The Hardware Inputs section is where the
Mic/Line and Instrument inputs are monitored,
as well as the S/PDIF input of Mbox. Hardware
Inputs 1–2 are the analog inputs, and Hardware
Inputs 3–4 are the S/PDIF input L/R.
The Software Returns section is where the audio
coming back from Pro Tools (or other audio application) is monitored. Software Returns 1 and
2 is the default stereo output from Pro Tools.
Chapter 4: Using the Driver Control Panel
29
Pan
Link
The Pan knobs control the position of a channel’s audio signal in the stereo image of the stereo mix (double-click the knob to return pan to
center).
The Link buttons connect stereo pairs of knobs
or faders (and also links the corresponding FX
Send knobs), so that adjusting either channel
(left/right) adjusts the other side identically.
Links buttons
Solo
Each Solo button lets audio be monitored for the
channel of which it is a part, while simultaneously muting all other Hardware Input channels
and Software Returns (except for those that also
have their Solo buttons activated).
Pan controls are unaffected by linking two
channels.
Mute
The Mute buttons are used to individually turn
off audio monitoring for each channel in the
stereo mix.
Channel Faders
The Effects section is where you set up “sendand-return” configurations, and select the effects that you apply to the Hardware Inputs
and/or Software Returns.
The Channel Faders control the monitoring volume level of each channel in the stereo mix.
Hardware Input FX Sends
Channel Labels
FX Sends are shared by all Stereo Mixes, unless
“Post-Fader Stereo Mix 1” is chosen in the Setup
pop-up menu.
By default, the Channel Labels show the input
name of each channel (1–8), except for the Master fader pair (which is labeled L/R by default).
Clicking on a Channel Label gives you a cursor,
allowing you to type in your own custom channel name (such as “guitar,” “vocals,” etc.).
The Channel Labels also display the signal level
(in dB) while a fader is being adjusted.
30
Effects
Mbox User Guide
Software Return FX Sends
FX Sends are shared by all Stereo Mixes, unless
“Post-Fader Stereo Mix 1” is chosen in the Setup
pop-up menu.
FX Returns
Master
These knobs control how much of the Effect audio output is mixed in with the monitor signal
Master L/R outputs. Unlike sends, FX Returns
are individually adjustable for each stereo mix.
The Master section is for monitoring the main
mixer output. This output can be routed to any
hardware output. Each Stereo Mix includes master section with several controls:
The Clip LED shows clipping if the input to the
FX is clipping and if the output is clipping (the
rest of the meter is just output).
Effect
The Effect drop-down menu is used to select the
effect to be applied to the Hardware Inputs
and/or Software Returns. There are five available
reverb types: Three room reverbs and two hall
reverbs, delay, and echo. These effects can be
customized by using the following three controls:
Duration This knob controls decay time (for the
reverbs) or delay time (for delay and echo).
Feedback This knob controls the number of repeats for the delay and echo effects. It does not
affect the reverbs.
Volume This knob controls the effects output
level being sent to the FX Returns.
Master fader
Stereo Mix
Copy pull-on
Balance knob
Width knob
Mute button (L)
Mute button (R)
Swap button
Channel Fader
Master Fader Adjusts the overall level of the stereo mix.
Balance Knob Adjusts the left/right balance of
the stereo mix (double-click the knob to return
it to center).
Width Knob Adjusts the width of the stereo image, where fully counter-clockwise is mono, and
fully clockwise is full stereo (double-click the
knob to return it to center).
Mute Buttons Mutes the left and/or right side of
the stereo mix.
Chapter 4: Using the Driver Control Panel
31
Swap Button Swaps the stereo image, making the
left channel play out the Right output, and the
right channel play out the Left output.
Link Button Links the FXReturns section and the
mute buttons.
Master Meters Lets you have a visual representation of the audio signal being fed to the associated hardware output pair.
Stereo Mix Copy Lets you copy the settings of the
current stereo mix to one of the other stereo
mixes.
Status Indicators
Along the bottom-left of the Driver Control
Panel are the following status indicators:
Hardware Connected
This tells you the status of the hardware; if a
properly installed, powered-on Mbox is connected to the computer.
Status indicators
Streaming
This indicates if audio from an audio application (such as Pro Tools) or a media player such as
Windows Media Player) is currently streaming
audio to the Mbox.
Host Control Enabled
If an application such as Pro Tools has control
over the Driver Control Panel, then “Host Control Enabled” is displayed.
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Mbox User Guide
chapter 5
Using the Multi Button (Pro Tools Only)
The Multi button on the front panel of the
Mbox can be assigned to easily execute several
functions in Pro Tools including (but not limited to):
• Add Track
• Start/Stop Record
• Tap Tempo
• Locating to Next/Previous Marker
• Save Session
Using the Multi Button
In the Hardware Setup dialog, Pro Tools lets you
set three Multi button parameters for your Mbox
using the “Multi Button Function” pane. (You
can also launch the Driver Control Panel from
here).
For more information on the Driver Control
Panel, see See Chapter 4, “Using the Driver
Control Panel.”.
Multi button
The Multi Button Function includes the following options:
Press and Release Displays the options available for Press and Release mode.
Mbox (Multi button shown)
You can use the Multi button to do these and
other common tasks with a single button instead of using on-screen menu commands. By
pressing the Multi button two different ways
(Press and Release, Press and Hold) you can perform two functions with one button.
Press and Hold Displays the options available
for Press and Hold mode.
Duration Gives four time duration options for
Press and Hold button.
Launch Control Panel Launches Driver Control
Panel.
Chapter 5: Using the Multi Button (Pro Tools Only)
33
To use the Multi Button Function pane and
configure its parameters (example):
1 Launch Pro Tools.
2 Choose Track > New and create 1 Mono audio
track.
You need to have at least one track available in a session to use the Add Last Track
and Add Selected Track functions.
3 Choose Setup > Hardware.
4 From the Press and Release list, select
Start/Stop Record (the default).
5 From the Press and Hold list, select Add Se-
lected Tracks (the default).
6 From the Hold Duration list, select 500 msec
(the default).
7 Go to the Edit Window and select the track
you just created.
8 Press and hold the Multi button for 500 msec,
then release. A new track is added in Record Enable mode.
9 Press and immediately release the Multi but-
ton. The track begins recording.
This is just one example of how easy it is to use
the Multi button if you want to quickly throw
down tracks and record. But you can personalize
the Multi button settings to fit any audio workflow that works for you.
Press and Release Options
When you click on the Press and Release list, a
pop-up menu provides access to the following
options:
None No function is selected in this mode.
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Mbox User Guide
Add Last Track Adds the last track type that you
created in the session. Say you have created two
Audio tracks in a session. It adds another mono
Audio track.
Add Selected Track Adds whatever tracks that
you have selected in a session. Say you have selected two Audio tracks in a session. It adds another two Audio tracks.
Cursor to Next Marker Each time the button is
pressed and released, the transport locates to the
next marker location.
Cursor to Previous Marker Each time the button
is pressed and released, the transport locates to
the previous marker location.
Start/Stop Playback Each time the button is
pressed and released, it starts/stops playing back
the session.
Start/Stop Record Each time the button is
pressed and released, it starts/stops recording.
Loop Playback Toggle Each time the button is
pressed and released, the Loop Playback mode is
toggled between enabled and disabled.
Undo Each time the button is pressed and released, it undoes that last operation you performed in Pro Tools. (Same as the Undo command from the Pro Tools menu)
Save Session Each time the Multi button is
pressed and released, it saves the session.
Tap Tempo The Multi button can be tapped to
adjust the session tempo. Tapping tempo causes
Pro Tools to come out of Conductor mode and
match its tempo to the tapped tempo. If
Pro Tools is already in Manual Tempo mode, the
session automatically adjusts its tempo to match
the value created by the Tap Tempo function.
Press and Hold Options
Hold Duration Options
When you click on the Press and Hold list, a
pop-up menu provides access to the following
options:
When you click on the Hold Duration list, a
drop-down menu provides access to the following options:
None No function is selected in this mode.
Hold Duration There are four choices of Hold Duration (250 msec, 500 msec, 750 msec, and 1
sec), which is the amount of time you choose to
hold the Multi button down in Press and Hold
mode. The default is 500 msec.
Add Last Track Adds whatever the last track type
was that you created in the session. Say you
have five types of tracks in your session but the
most recent track you created was 1 Mono
Audio Track, in Samples. It adds another
1 Mono Audio Track, in Samples.
Add Selected Track Adds whatever tracks that
you have selected in a session. Say you have selected two Audio tracks in a session. It adds another two Audio tracks.
Cursor to Next Marker Each time the button is
held and released, the transport locates to the
next marker location.
Cursor to Previous Marker Each time the button
is held and released, the transport locates to the
previous marker location.
Start/Stop Playback Each time the button is
held and released, it starts/stops playing back
the session.
Start/Stop Record Each time the button is held
and released, it starts/stops recording.
Loop Playback Toggle Each time the button is
held and released, the Loop Playback mode is
toggled between enabled and disabled.
Undo Each time the button is held and released,
it undoes that last operation you performed in
Pro Tools. (Same as the Undo command from
the Pro Tools menu)
Save Session Each time the Multi button is held
and released, it saves the session.
Chapter 5: Using the Multi Button (Pro Tools Only)
35
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Mbox User Guide
appendix a
Using Third-Party Applications
The Mbox hardware drivers allow you to use
third-party CoreAudio-(Mac) or ASIO-(Windows) compliant audio and MIDI applications
with your Mbox.
For driver installation instructions, see
Chapter 3, “Installing and Connecting
Mbox.”
Configuring Mbox for ThirdParty Applications
When using Mbox with third-party applications
(such as Apple GarageBand), you may be able to
configure hardware settings through the audio
preference settings available in that application.
You can also configure your hardware using the
Control Panel. See Chapter 4, “Using the Driver
Control Panel.”
Configuring the Apple Sound
Preferences
(Mac Only–Required for Using Qualified Pro
Tools Interface with Apple iTunes or QuickTime
Player)
To use your Avid Mbox–family hardware with
certain CoreAudio-compatible playback applications (such as Apple iTunes or QuickTime
Player), you need to configure either Sound Preferences or Audio MIDI Setup.
To configure the Apple Sound Preferences:
1 Launch System Preferences (Apple menu >
System Preferences)
2 Click Sound.
3 Click Output and select your Pro Tools hard-
ware as the device for sound output.
4 Click Input and select your Pro Tools hardware
as the device for sound input.
5 Quit System Preferences.
Appendix a: Using Third-Party Applications
37
38
Mbox User Guide
appendix b
Compliance Information
Environmental Compliance
Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users
in the European Union
Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains chemicals, including lead,
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
Perchlorate Notice
This product may contain a lithium coin battery. The State of
California requires the following disclosure statement:
“Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.”
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this
product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it
is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by
handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling
of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate
collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of
disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that
it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the
environment. For more information about where you can drop
off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your
local city recycling office or the dealer from whom you
purchased the product.
Recycling Notice
Appendix b: Compliance Information
39
EMC (Electromagnetic
Compliance)
Australian Compliance
Avid declares that this product complies with the following
standards regulating emissions and immunity:
• FCC Part 15 Class B
• EN 55022 Class B
• EN 55204 Class B
• AS/NZS 3548 Class B
• CISPR 22 Class B
Canadian Compliance
FCC Compliance for United States
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003
Radio and Television Interference
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
Avid
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada
CE Compliance
(EMC and Safety)
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, Avid, 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94014-3886, USA
650-731-6300
declare under our sole responsibility that the product
Mbox
complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Communication Statement
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Any modifications to the unit, unless expressly approved by
Avid, could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
40
Mbox User Guide
Avid is authorized to apply the CE (Conformité Europénne)
mark on this compliant equipment thereby declaring conformity
to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC.
Safety Compliance
Warning
Important Safety Instructions
1) Read these instructions.
12) For products that are not rack-mountable: Use only with a
cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the equipment. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/equipment combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this equipment near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other equipment (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
13) Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the equipment has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the equipment, the
equipment has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
15) For products that are a Mains powered device:
The equipment shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing
and no objects filled with liquids (such as vases) shall be
placed on the equipment.
Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
16) For products containing a lithium battery:
CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
17) The equipment shall be used at a maximum ambient
temperature of 40° C.
10) Protect power cords from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the equipment.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
Appendix b: Compliance Information
41
42
Mbox User Guide
index
A
P
audio
digital connections 18
peak indicators 5, 6
phantom power 16
when to use 6, 15
Pro Tools LE
installing (Mac) 11
G
gain
headphones 7
input 6
H
headphones
gain control 7
output 6, 7
I
indicators
peak level 5, 6
USB connection 7
input and output connectors 9
inputs
analog 8
digital 8
gain 6
monitoring 6
installing Pro Tools LE
Mac 11
M
R
recording
digital inputs 18
S
S/PDIF 9
sources
analog 8
DI 8
digital 9
line 8
microphone 8
selecting 5, 7
Stereo Width control 17, 19
T
TRS 15
U
USB connection indicator 7
Mbox
features 1
MIDI
connections 19
mono switch 6
O
outputs
Monitor outputs 8
Index
43
Avid
Technical Support (USA)
Product Information
2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94014-3886 USA
Visit the Online Support Center at
www.avid.com/support
For company and product information,
visit us on the web at www.avid.com